Fire retardant polymer compositions

ABSTRACT

a non-halogenated polymer such as polystyrene, polyesters, polymono-olefins or ABS resins is made fire retardant by a low loading combination of a halogenated hydrocarbon fire retardant, zinc borate and a metal soap. The halogenated hydrocarbon preferably contains bromine or a combination thereof with chlorine. Suitable zinc borates are the hydrated zinc borates well known in the art. Metal soaps are preferably those of the metals calcium, zinc, aluminum, barium, cadmium and combinations thereof. 
     Both synergistic fire retardancy and lower smoke emission are exhibited as compared to compositions excluding the metal soap.



